Monitoring and Early Detection
Best-in-class tools and technology to protect members and their accounts, and preventing fraud before it happens. We’re thinking about it so you don’t have to.
Member-First Personalized Support
Patelco provides in-person and virtual fraud support that’s personal, adapted to your style, and protects your present and future financial health and wellbeing.
Account Protection and Recovery
From digital alerts to card management and authentication, we’re committed to helping members easily protect their accounts, and quickly responding in the event of fraud.
Member Education and Resources
We’re focused on researching, collecting and providing members with the best resources to educate them on recent scams, account protection and how to report fraud.
How we’re delivering fraud protection
Elder fraud protection program
A BankSafe® certified program for elderly members focusing on proactive intervention and escalation. Prevented ~ $5.3 million in potential member losses
Behavioral monitoring
Establishing an upstream understanding of member account behavior to detect discrepancies stemming from potential unauthorized usage
AI-driven technology
Developing best-in-class technology that identifies behaviors indicative of fraud so we can stop bad actors in their tracks
Identity verification
Identity management capabilities within Online Banking to prevent fraudulent activity and verify authentic use
Front-line training
Consistent training for front-line Patelco staff to ensure they’re up to date on the latest fraud trends and best equipped to address member needs
Unauthorized charges and disputes
Patelco provides ways to recover funds, dispute charges with merchants, and ensures members feel protected in case of unauthorized activity
Fraud prevention impact in 2025
5,000+
member fraud cases resolved
$10,000,000
in member losses prevented
97%
fraud issues resolved in 2 days
25,000+
members received our support
Impact on Patelco members
I've been banking with Patelco since 1994. Recently I got scammed and my account got hacked. It happened in a Friday and Saturday morning I went straight to the Campbell branch nearest me...(they) immediately started an escalated process of reporting the incident to the fraud department. (They) assured me that it happens to many people and made me feel safe and protected with the money lost issue. (Branch manager) was available to me every step of the way, provided me his direct number for any questions or concerns, was forthcoming on all correspondence and my money was returned within a week.
MT
I’ve been banking with Patelco since 1994. Recently I got scammed and my account got hacked. It happened in a Friday and Saturday morning I went straight to the Campbell branch nearest me…(they) immediately started an escalated process of reporting the incident to the fraud department. (They) assured me that it happens to many people […]
This past April, I was a victim of online banking fraud and being a senior citizen, age 66 elder abuse. Somehow some person(s), gained access to my Patelco Credit Union checking account. When I found out a day or two later, the damage had been done. Shamed and embarrassed, I reluctantly when into my home branch, Castro Valley and shared my experience with the branch manager...he coached me on the do's and don'ts of online banking. Furthermore, he enrolled me in a Patelco facilitated course on preventing and telling signs that scammers use.
Lowe
This past April, I was a victim of online banking fraud and being a senior citizen, age 66 elder abuse. Somehow some person(s), gained access to my Patelco Credit Union checking account. When I found out a day or two later, the damage had been done. Shamed and embarrassed, I reluctantly when into my home […]
I would just like to thank Patelco again today. I had some fraud – maybe $600 – on my checking account. They notified me, and I called them up. They took care of it and I have no doubt that everything will be fixed. They’ll send me a new card...don’t get that with other banks. Thank you, Patelco. Other banks would still be on the phone.
Wayne I.
I would just like to thank Patelco again today. I had some fraud – maybe $600 – on my checking account. They notified me, and I called them up. They took care of it and I have no doubt that everything will be fixed. They’ll send me a new card…don’t get that with other banks. […]
Patelco is the best Credit Union and personal bank you can find! They do an excellent job of protecting your digital transactions. Best customer experience of any bank I've used in the past 30 years. They also have a top-notch fraud investigating team. I recently had my card number stolen while shopping at a small SF retail shop. By the time I got back to my car, Patelco was calling to alert me...I feel confident when using their Mastercard card to make purchases.
XJ
Patelco is the best Credit Union and personal bank you can find! They do an excellent job of protecting your digital transactions. Best customer experience of any bank I’ve used in the past 30 years. They also have a top-notch fraud investigating team. I recently had my card number stolen while shopping at a small […]
Innovating to keep you safe
Anti-spoofing call technology ensuring it’s Patelco calling you
Voice biometrics for identity verification
Predictive modeling to prevent unauthorized account access
Frequently asked questions about fraud
Is it really Patelco calling me?
Fraudsters have become more proficient at faking caller ID – so just because your phone shows Patelco, that doesn’t mean it’s really us.
Red flags include someone calling you to ask information we already know – such as your card number, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, etc. We already have this information and will never call to ask.
When in doubt, disconnect and call us at our known number, 800.358.8228.
What are the top internet scams?
With people using the internet to pretty much do everything, online scams are on the rise. Read more about the top internet scams here.
How do I know if a text message is a scam?
As text messaging becomes more prevalent around the world, text message scams are also becoming more common. Read more about text message, or “smishing,” scams here.
What are types of social media scams look out for?
All sorts of financial services are available to help you manage your finances, and many will require you to share your data with them. Learn more about how data sharing works, what you should consider when asked to share your data, and how to protect your data and accounts. Read more about sharing data on financial apps here.
What scams are targeting elders?
In 2021, over 92,000 victims over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion to the IC3. The top scams targeting are government impersonation scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, robocalls and phone scams, computer tech support scams, and grandparent scams. Read more about fraud against elders here.
Simple ways to protect your account
- Keep your contact information up to date so we can contact you quickly if we see suspicious activity
- Sign up for Patelco Online™ or the Mobile App to view account activity
- Set up Two-Factor Authentication for added security
- Manage account alerts, card alerts and transaction controls
- Choose SMS (or text message) as your primary alert and notification channel
- Designate a Trusted Contact for your account in case we cannot get ahold of you
1
Review All Transactions
Review all debit and credit card transactions regularly, report any discrepancies and sign up for card alerts
2
Beware of Phishing
It’s common for fraudsters to impersonate people or companies. Be vigilant and don’t click on suspicious links or emails
3
Protect Your Identity
Don’t provide information such as Social Security Number, credit card or bank account numbers to anyone you don’t know